The Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program

The Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention program provides support for families with children who have a visual impairment from birth until school entry. The program offers support services at home and in the community.

KidsInclusive is the lead agency for the Southeast Blind Low Vision Early Intervention Program in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. We coordinate services in partnership with the Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario. With parent/guardian consent, referrals to the BLVEIP can be made by a doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, parent, or caregiver. The BLVEIP does not require a medical professional to refer, recommend, or approve service.

Cortical Visual Impairment Flyer

Program Eligibility

• Families are residents of Ontario,
• Families have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining, a diagnosis of visual impairment for their child,
  • Medical confirmation of a diagnosed visual impairment made by an ophthalmologist, neurologist, or optometrist is required for the BLVEIP, however children may be referred without a formal diagnosis if there are enough indicators that the child is demonstrating visual issues impacting their development.
• Children are eligible from birth to school entry.

Make a Referral

Referrals can be made online using our General Referral Form available through our How to Refer page or by calling 613-544-3400 ext 3175 or 1 855-544-3400 ext 3175, press 4.

Services

Determination of the ongoing need for Early Childhood Vision consultant (ECVC) and Family Support Worker (FSW) service will be based on assessment of the child’s sensory functioning and the needs of the family and community providers.

• Family Support: A family support worker will help your family members to understand and to cope with the diagnosis.
• Intervention: In your home a Blind-Low Vision program staff member will help teach you how to support your child’s development.
• Consultation: A Blind-Low Vision program staff member will assist early childhood educators at Ontario Early Years Learning Centres and in child care facilities to support your child’s development.

For more information about the Ontario Blind- Low Vision program, visit The Ministry of Children and Youth Services 

Resources:

• The Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Reprinted with the permission of KFL&A Public Health.